Why Adventure is a Non-Negotiable in Our Homeschool

When we first started homeschooling, I knew I wanted something different. I didn’t want our days to be confined to four walls, stuck at a table with worksheets and a never-ending to-do list. I wanted learning to be alive—something we could see, touch, and experience. That’s why adventure is a non-negotiable in our homeschool.

In fact, we designed our life around it.

We chose our home specifically for its trail access—our backyard is the state park. We’re nestled in the foothills of the Sierra, with mountain biking trails, hiking routes, and ski resorts just a short drive away. This wasn’t by accident. This was intentional.

Because Learning Happens Best Outside

One of my favorite books I’ve read when it comes to parenting, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk, can completely change your perspective on how kids thrive outdoors. If you haven’t read it, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. The premise? Kids need nature, and it doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or sunny—there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.

And honestly? It’s true.

Since embracing this mindset, I’ve watched my kids come alive outside. I’ve seen them:
* Problem-solve while climbing over fallen logs.
* Observe & ask questions as hawks soar overhead.
* Develop resilience as they bike through muddy trails or hike uphill in the cold.
* Learn naturally without even realizing they’re learning.

No textbook or screen can replace this kind of real-world education.

Our Daily Nature Walk: A Foundation for Learning

Every morning at 9 AM, we lace up our shoes (or grab the bikes) and head outside for our daily nature walk. Some days, it’s a casual stroll, letting the kids lead and explore. Other days, we take a longer hike, diving deeper into the trails.

This walk is sacred time for us. It resets our minds before lessons begin. It lets my kids burn off energy before sitting down for structured learning. It gives us space to talk, wonder, and just be.

And honestly? Some of our best homeschool discussions happen out there. We’ve covered everything from why the leaves change color to how mountain lions track their prey—all sparked by what we see around us.

Biking, Skiing, Camping—It’s All Learning

Our love for adventure doesn’t stop with daily walks. My husband and I met through mountain biking, and now, we’re watching our daughters develop the same love for cycling. They’re proving to be little shredders on the trails, and seeing their confidence grow as they take on new terrain is incredible.

We also just introduced them to skiing this season, something we’ll dive into more in another post. Watching them learn how to navigate the slopes, fall and get back up, and embrace the winter elements has been one of my proudest homeschool moments.

And of course, there’s camping—our family’s reset button. Our camp van is our escape pod, taking us into the mountains, to the lakes, and deep into the woods where time slows down and adventure takes over. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire, telling stories, and falling asleep under the stars.

You Don’t Have to Live in the Woods to Do This

I recognize that not everyone has the luxury of living with a state park as their backyard. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to. Nature is everywhere. You can find adventure in:
* Your local parks
* The nearest lake or river
* A day trip to a state or national park
* Backyard camping
* Exploring a new bike path

Adventure isn’t about where you live. It’s about making it a priority. It’s about stepping outside, getting curious, and seeing the world through your child’s eyes.

Homeschooling is About More Than Books

At the end of the day, I don’t homeschool just to teach my kids to read, write, and solve math problems. I homeschool to give them a love of learning—and so much of that happens outside, beyond the walls of our home.

So, if you’re feeling stuck in your homeschool routine, try this: step outside. See what happens. Adventure is waiting, and trust me—it’s worth it. Need help coming up with ideas? Leave a comment, use the community to brainstorm together! Stepped outside? What did you notice?